Nikon S2H05000501 manual Getting Good Results with Autofocus, Choose the Center Focus Area

Autofocus

In autofocus and macro close-up modes, the camera adjusts focus automati- cally. In mode or at a scene setting of Close Up, the camera adjusts focus continuously while the monitor is on (continuous autofocus; 111). When the monitor is off, the camera does not focus until the shutter-release button is pressed halfway (single autofocus; 111). In either case, focus locks when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and remains locked as long as the button is held in this position (focus lock; 60). In P, S, A, and M modes, single autofocus is used whether the monitor is on or off, although the Focus Options: Auto-Focus Mode item in the SHOOTING menu can be used to enable continuous autofocus when the monitor is on ( 111).

Getting Good Results with Autofocus

Autofocus performs best when:

•There is contrast between the subject and the background. For example, autofocus may not perform well on subjects that are the same color as the background.

•The subject is evenly lit.

Autofocus does not perform well when:

•You attempt to focus simultaneously on two or more objects at different distances from the camera. For example, autofocus may not perform well when photographing an object inside a cage, because the bars of the cage will be closer to the camera than the main subject, and both the bars and the main subject will be in the focus area.

•The subject is very dark (the subject should not, however, be too much brighter than the background).

•The subject is moving rapidly.

If the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, the autofocus lamp next to the viewfinder will flicker when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Use focus lock ( 60) to focus on another subject at the same distance, or use manual focus ( 61).

Beyond Point -and -Shoot

—Focus Mode

Choose the Center Focus Area

We recommend that you select the center focus area when using focus lock.

59